Rome

Practical Info about Rome

Getting around the city

The network of buses, trams, metro and trains covers the whole city from 5:30am to midnight, and night buses take over until about 5am, covering the main routes. The metro only has two lines, but is the easiest and fastest way to get around. The bus service is cheap and reliable, albeit slow due to traffic congestion. Tickets cover all forms of transport and must be pre-purchased and validated at the start of every journey; there are daily tickets valid for unlimited rides, or standard tickets valid for one metro ride or 75 minutes on buses. Taxis are notoriously expensive and display a list of surcharges. The historic centre of Rome is compact and manageable on foot, and most of it is closed to normal traffic. Driving in Rome is an experience to be avoided.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Electricity

Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.

Currency

Italy's currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than casas de cambios.

Communication

The international access code for Italy is +39. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Climate

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Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. January is the coldest month in Rome, and July and August the warmest. The weather in Rome during summer (June to August) can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F (35°C) at midday, and locals tend to close up their businesses during August. Winter (December to February) is mild, with the average temperature in December hovering around 55°F (13°C). Heavy snowfall is rare but almost every winter there are light snow flurries in the city. Rain showers are possible any time of year but the drizzle is seldom very disruptive to visitors. The best time to travel to Rome is in the springtime, between March and May, when skies are blue and the weather warm. Autumn is also considered peak tourist season, as the months of September and October are very pleasant.

Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport

Getting to the city

The train station is across the road from Terminal 3, near Car Park D. There are two trains to the city: the Leonardo Express travels directly to Roma Termini, the station in the city centre, every half hour from 6:30am to 11:30pm, for €14; and the cheaper but slightly slower Metro line FR1, which runs to major stations every 15 minutes, or every half hour on Sundays and holidays, and costs €8. Cotral buses leave from Roma Tiburtina railway station and stop at Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of the national museum. A ticket costs €4.50 from the ticket machine in arrivals, and €7 on the bus.

Car rental

The car rental desks are in the multi-storey car park lots C and B, directly in front of the terminal and connected via passenger walkways. Hertz, Avis, Sixt and Budget operate from the airport.

Airport taxi's

Authorised taxis can usually be found in the arrivals areas. The journey to central Rome will take 40-60 minutes and the fare is approximately €60 with a surcharge for public holidays and Sundays or late at night. Some taxis will charge extra for luggage.

Transfer between terminals

A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals and car parks every 15 minutes.

Facilities

Airport facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, baggage wrapping, information desks, travel agents, pharmacies, massage parlours, photo booth, a beauty parlour, hairdresser, solarium, as well as slot machines and laundry facilities. The ATA Hotel Executive Centre in Area B has business facilities, and there are myriad shopping and dining options.

Parking

Parking starts from €3 for the one-hour spaces in front of the terminal, to a variety of options within the garages and long-term lots. All parking options are connected to the terminals via walkways or shuttle buses.